Fernie sits in the Elk Valley where the Rocky Mountains create one of Canada’s most reliable powder snow zones, turning what started as a coal mining town into a four-season playground that attracts everyone from world-class athletes to families seeking mountain life without the Whistler price tag.
The numbers tell a compelling story for mortgage professionals: median household income hits $107,000 while maintaining a 65% maximum LTV that reflects the community’s strong fundamentals and growing appeal. With 73% of residents holding post-secondary education, this isn’t just another resource town—it’s evolved into something more resilient.
Mining still employs nearly 17% of the workforce, but tourism and hospitality now rival it at 13.6%, creating economic diversity that most mountain communities would envy. The 17% population growth since 2016 signals people are discovering what locals have known for decades: Fernie delivers genuine mountain living without the pretension.
Here’s what makes Fernie different from other ski towns: it maintains authentic small-town character while offering world-class recreation. Fernie Alpine Resort consistently ranks among North America’s top ski destinations for snow quality, yet lift tickets cost half what you’d pay at Banff or Whistler. Summer brings mountain biking trails that attract international competitions and hiking that ranges from family-friendly to expedition-level.
The housing market reflects this appeal—62% single-family homes dominate, but nearly 19% apartments show the community accommodates various lifestyles. Resort municipality status provides tax advantages while maintaining infrastructure standards that support both full-time residents and the vacation property market.
For brokers serving clients who want mountain recreation without Vancouver prices, Fernie represents opportunity. The combination of established mining wages, growing tourism economy, and lifestyle migration creates steady demand for our equity-based lending solutions, second mortgages, and bridge financing that helps people transition into mountain living.
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Our Mortgage Products Available in Fernie
| Mortgage Product Name | Max LTV | Key Notes for Fernie |
|---|---|---|
| Construction Mortgages | 65.0% | Standard product terms |
| Credit Repair and Debt Consolidation | 65.0% | Standard product terms |
| Variable Income | 65.0% | Standard product terms |
| Bare Land and Unique Properties | 65.0% | Standard product terms |
| Bridge Financing/Fully Open Term | 65.0% | Standard product terms |
| Equity Lending | 65.0% | Standard product terms |
| Purchases | 65.0% | Standard product terms |
Detailed Mortgage Product Information
Construction Mortgages
Maximum Loan-to-Value (LTV) for Construction Mortgages in Fernie:
65.0 %
“Wait, you’re a MIC that actually does construction?”
Here’s something that makes brokers do a double-take. Yes, we do construction mortgages. No, that’s not a typo.
But before you start sending us your client with the 580 credit score who wants to build their dream home, let’s be clear: these aren’t your typical MIC deals. We only do construction for bankable clients. People the banks would ...
Credit Repair and Debt Consolidation
Maximum Loan-to-Value (LTV) for Credit Repair and Debt Consolidation in Fernie:
65.0 %
“Their credit report reads like a horror novel, but the house was just renovated and is worth a lot…”
Here’s what happens when life takes a wrong turn. A bad business venture. Workplace Injury. That divorce that dragged on for two years. Suddenly your credit score looks like a batting average and the banks won’t even return your calls.
But here’s the thing – none of that changes what your ho...
Variable Income
Maximum Loan-to-Value (LTV) for Variable Income in Fernie:
65.0 %
“Their income is all over the map, but there’s definitely income…”
Here’s a funny thing about lending based on Line 15000 of your Notice of Assessment: It’s a neat little box to underwrite against. Works great if you’re a salaried employee. Not so great if you’re running a fishing charter in Campbell River where thres fishing season, and the rest of the year.
We get it. Income isn’t always ti...
Bare Land and Unique Properties
Maximum Loan-to-Value (LTV) for Bare Land and Unique Properties in Fernie:
65.0 %
“The appraisal came back as ‘property type: other’…”
Here’s a truth about real estate that nobody wants to admit: not everything fits in a box. Banks have boxes. Nice, tidy boxes labeled “single family home” and “condo” and “townhouse.” Their computer systems literally don’t have a dropdown menu option for “converted church with commercial kitchen” or “geodesic dome on 40 acres.”
We’ve funded...
Bridge Financing/Fully Open Term
Maximum Loan-to-Value (LTV) for Bridge Financing/Fully Open Term in Fernie:
65.0 %
“Subjects came off their current home last week but their new place closes Friday…”
Here’s a funny thing about bridge financing: everyone thinks it’s complicated. It’s not. Someone needs to close on their new house before their old house sells. Or their sale fell through after they removed subjects on their dream home. Or they found the perfect downsizer condo but haven’t listed the family hom...
Equity Lending
Maximum Loan-to-Value (LTV) for Equity Lending in Fernie:
65.0 %
“They have tons of equity but don’t qualify under B20…”
Here’s the thing about equity lending: it exists because banks literally can’t do it. B20 guidelines require income verification. Full stop. No wiggle room. No common sense exceptions.
We’re provincially regulated. The funds we lend on come from individual investors, not the Bank of Canada. So when your client has 50% equity but their in...
Purchases
Maximum Loan-to-Value (LTV) for Purchases in Fernie:
65.0 %
Moving is supposed to be exciting. New town, new job, new chapter. So why do banks act like you’re asking for their firstborn when you need a mortgage?
“You haven’t been at your new job for thre months”
“Your self-employment income doesn’t count in a new market.”
“We need to see established a year if you are part time contract - even if you’re working 40 hours under your new role”
Meanwhile...